Space Foundation Announces International Teacher Liaisons for 2024

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

• Flight 24 includes six international teachers from six nations outside the U.S. 
• Program globally promotes space-related STEM education in schools 
• Selectees will take part in the Space Symposium in April

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Feb. 20, 2024 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, offering information, education and collaboration for the global space ecosystem, today announced 29 educators have been selected to join the International Teacher Liaison Program, including six international applicants from Cameroon, Canada, Columbia, Israel, Mexico and Romania. These elite educators were chosen for their active promotion of space and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the classroom.  

Space Foundation International Teacher Liaisons are a community of more than 375 educators in 25 countries and 40 states who work to inspire the next generation of explorers and innovators. Established in 2004, this internationally recognized program provides benefits that improve teaching skills, provide an encouraging community for educators, and influence space and science education at a global level. 

Each selected class of Teacher Liaisons is referred to as a “flight” in reference to the teachers’ mission as premier space/STEM educators. Every year, following a rigorous application process, a new flight of Teacher Liaisons is selected. This global program is open to public, private and homeschool teachers, in both informal and formal education, as well as school administrators, principals, specialists, curriculum and instruction developers, and others who deliver educational programs to students. A panel comprised of experienced Teacher Liaisons and representatives from the space industry and the military selected the newest flight. 

Remarking on the new Teacher Liaisons, Space Foundation CEO Heather Pringle said, “We are thrilled to welcome 29 outstanding educators from across the world to join our International Teacher Liaison program. This cohort of educators are pioneers in education, using innovative means to increase the integration of space-based education in their classrooms. Their commitment and expertise are fundamental to advancing the reach and impact of our global program.” 

Space Foundation supports Teacher Liaisons by providing them with curriculum resources and various professional development opportunities. Teacher Liaisons also get the opportunity to design hands-on learning activities in a collaborative setting and engage with top educators and space industry experts. 

“As a Teacher Liaison for the Rakia mission, I will play a role in implementing, supporting, and promoting space education initiatives among students in Israel. Through the content and the knowledge that I will receive and be exposed to in the Teacher Liaison program, I will be able to pass it on to Israeli teachers empowering them to inspire their students. Furthermore, I eagerly anticipate sharing educational materials created by the Rakia mission with my esteemed colleagues,” said Maya Shmit Younger, International Teacher Liaison. “I hope to establish a global network of fellow educators who share a passion for space education. I aspire to collaborate with them and work together to connect students from different cultures and backgrounds united by space.” 

The 2024 flight of Teacher Liaisons will be recognized at Space Foundation’s annual Space Symposium, to be held April 8-11 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. In addition to the recognition activities, Teacher Liaisons will participate in special programming at Symposium that includes keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and breakout sessions. 

Introducing Space Foundation’s Teacher Liaison Flight 24 

United States 

• Arkansas 

• • Marlon Matilla, Scott Charter School, Scott

• Colorado 

• • Dara Gardner, Harrison District 2 Thrive Home School Academy, Colorado Springs 
  • Emily Gomez, Space Foundation, Colorado Springs 
  • Lynnane George, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs 
  • Rachel Johnson, Space Foundation, Colorado Springs 
  • Courtnie Schobert, James Irwin Power Technical, Colorado Springs 
  • Bela Power, Pioneer Elementary School, Denver 
  • Tyler Dall, Palmer Ridge High School, Colorado Springs

• Georgia 

• • Steve Jones, FCS Innovation Academy, Milton 

• Maine 

• • Karin Paquin, St. John’s Catholic School, Lisbon 
  • Kathy Bock, Cape Elizabeth High School, Yarmouth 
  • Sharon Eggleston, Maine Space Grant Consortium, Brunswick 
  • Rhonda Stevens, Sipayik Elementary School, Eastport 

• Maryland 

• • Michael Johnson, William A. Diggs Elementary School, Waldorf 

• Massachusetts 

• • Jennifer Donais, Amesbury Public Schools, Haverhill         
  • Kudakwashe Takawira, Worcester Institute of Technology, Worcester 

• New Jersey 

• • Kristen Marlatt, Green Grove School, Bradley Beach 

• Texas 

• • Christina Campos, West Oso Junior High School, Corpus Christi 

• • Robin Merritt, Clear Cleek High School, La Porte 

• Utah 

• • Annika Jensen, Douglas Space and Science Foundation, Layton   

• Virginia 

• • Amy Goodyear, Heritage High School, Lovettsville 

• Washington 

• • Christy Power, Naches Valley Middle School, Naches          

• Wisconsin 

• • Lalitha Murali, Glen Hills Middle School, Glendale 

International 

• Cameroon 

• • Lily Rospeen Asongfac, Aerospace Baby Project, Limbe 

• Canada 

• • Dianea Phillips, Science Yourself! No G’s About It!  STEMGENUITY, Kirkland, Quebec 

• Colombia 

• • Fernando Ruiz, Oakland Colegio Campestre, Cota 

• Israel 

• • Maya Shmit Younger, Rakia Mission, Tel-Aviv 

• Mexico 

• • Brenda Yadira Vázquez González, Instituto Panamericano De Tampico, Tampico 

• Romania 

• • Dorina Girbovan, Transylvania College, Cluj-Napoca        

To learn more about Teacher Liaisons and other Space Foundation education programs, please visit www.discoverspace.org/education. 

About Teacher Liaisons 

Teacher Liaisons, established in 2004 by Space Foundation’s Center for Innovation and Education, is a worldwide professional network of elite educators. More than 375 Teacher Liaisons advocate for space education using STEM, non-STEM, and 21st century business and life skills to inspire the next generation of contributors to the global space ecosystem. Space Foundation provides in-person and online training, innovative materials, 800-plus standards-based lesson plans, and mentoring resources. Teacher Liaisons are selected annually following a formal application process. To learn more about Teacher Liaisons, visit https://discoverspace.org/education/resources-for-educators/teacher-liaisons.  

About Center for Innovation and Education  

Center for Innovation and Education is a lifelong learning provider for the global space ecosystem, offering workforce development and economic opportunity via Space Commerce Institute and Space Foundation Discovery Center. Serving pre-K-12 and university students, teachers, entrepreneurs, businesses and professionals, programs and resources are delivered in person or online around the globe. Through its Workforce Development Roadmap of programs and resources, Center for Innovation and Education enhances the outlook and opportunities for careers, jobs and business ventures. To learn more about Center for Innovation and Education, visit www.spacefoundation.org/cie, and Space Foundation Discovery Center, visit www.discoverspace.org.  

About Space Foundation 

Space Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, offering information, education and collaboration for the global space ecosystem. Driven by partnerships, Space Foundation unites the entire spectrum of stakeholders — business, government, education and local communities — through support from corporate members, sponsors, fundraising and grants. Visit Space Foundation at www.SpaceFoundation.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. 

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Tags: Space Foundation, Center for Innovation and Education, Teacher Liaison Program, STEM education, space education, science education, workforce development, professional development, lifelong learning, Space Symposium, STEM, educators, teachers 

Media Contacts: 

Rich Cooper
Vice President, Strategic Communications & Outreach
Space Foundation
(202) 596-0714
[email protected] 

Dottie O’Rourke
TECHMarket Communications
(650) 344-1260
[email protected]  

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